Windback Wednesday: Blues v Crusaders 2011

01 Sep 2017

Today we take you back more than six years to the 2011 season opener against the Crusaders at Eden Park.

Trailing 6-19 at half time, the Blues showed incredible resolve to stage a dramatic comeback, scoring three second half tries to clinch their first victory over the Crusaders since 2007, 24-22.

It was Benson Stanley and Tony Woodcock who hit back for the home side with tries early in the second half, before captain Keven Mealamu made the bold move of turning down a possible three points and opting to kick for touch with 10 minutes on the clock and down 19-22.

That decision turned out to be a stroke of brilliance by the hooker, as it was he himself who scored the winning try for the Blues, darting blind from a rolling maul and bowling over Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis on his way to the line.